Programs that provide employment opportunities for people who are searching for jobs; assist people who are able and willing to work by helping them prepare for, find, secure and retain suitable employment; provide work site evaluation and/or modification support; and/or seek to develop employment opportunities in various fields for people who need a position.

Programs that provide financial assistance in the form of cash grants or purchase of services for eligible low-income and indigent individuals and families to ensure that they have a basic income and access to essential medical, nutritional and supportive services.

Programs that have been established by law and are generally compulsory in nature which provide cash income on a regular basis or payments to meet a designated need for people who are entitled to benefits based on their own or their employer's contributions to the program, their service to the country or their age. Although there may be assessment procedures to confirm eligibility, there are no financial means or assets tests associated with these benefits.

Programs that provide assistance for people who are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis and have insufficient resources to obtain essential services or to meet expenses in situations where financial assistance related to their specific circumstance is unavailable. Monetary assistance may be in the form of immediate cash, loans, cheques or vouchers.